China announced a nationwide inspection of fire safety standards in high-rise buildings on Saturday, following a devastating fire in Hong Kong that killed at least 128 people. The move aims to prevent similar tragedies on the mainland and reinforce public safety oversight.
Focus on Building Renovations and Safety Management
The Ministry of Emergency Management said inspectors would give special attention to high-rise buildings undergoing external wall renovations or interior modifications. “We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, the State Council Work Safety Committee has issued a notice to local authorities, launching the inspection campaign immediately.
Lessons from Past Disasters
Chinese authorities have been particularly alert to incidents that could affect social stability. In 2022, a fatal blaze in Xinjiang killed 10 people and sparked rare nationwide protests during China’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns. The recent Hong Kong fire, which erupted on Wednesday, poses a significant test for Beijing’s leadership and its ability to maintain confidence in the city’s safety standards.
Beijing’s swift response highlights the importance it attaches to the tragedy and its determination to prevent a similar event elsewhere in China.
Key Inspection Areas and Strict Enforcement
The ministry said the new inspection campaign would cover four main areas: flammable materials used in wall insulation systems, banned construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding, fire safety equipment, and emergency evacuation routes.
Local authorities have been instructed to carry out comprehensive inspections and take “immediate corrective actions” where risks are detected. “Strict enforcement measures will be taken against serious violations, and those failing to eliminate major safety hazards will be held accountable,” the ministry warned.
The Hong Kong fire spread rapidly through seven of eight 32-storey apartment towers undergoing renovation, where bamboo scaffolding and foam insulation materials were in use. The incident has renewed scrutiny of building safety practices across the region.
(with inputs from Reuters)
